Pin assembly

ABSTRACT

The application discloses a pin assembly for a fixation point configured to be mounted to a receiver of a firearm, the receiver including first and second receiver walls defining a receiver chamber therebetween. The pin assembly includes a first and second pin assembly halves. The first pin assembly half includes a first fastener, a spacer, and a first fixation element. The first fastener and the first fixation element are configured to engage to secure the fixation point to the first receiver wall with the first fastener and the first fixation element disposed on opposing sides of the first receiver wall. The second pin assembly half includes a second fastener and a second fixation element. The second fastener and the second fixation element are configured to engage with the second fastener and the second fixation element disposed on opposing sides of the second receiver wall.

BACKGROUND

Various components or accessories can be attached to an existing rifle to improve the overall operation of the rifle and/or experience of the user. In some instances, a fixation point (e.g., a side rail, or the like) can be mounted to one side of the rifle and used as an interface to secure components or accessories to the rifle. For example, a side rail mounted to the side of a rifle can serve as a fixation point onto which an optic mount can be secured. Traditional side rails are generally permanently mounted to the side of the rifle by rivets. If such permanent fixation or lack of modification is not desired, one or more mounting pins can be used to provide reversible fixation points for the side rail. Such a mounting pin can be a single piece design that fully transverses the rifle's inner receiver chamber. However, overtightening can over-compress the receiver's side walls, resulting in possible rifle malfunctioning.

SUMMARY

The disclosure relates to an exemplary pin assembly for mounting a fixation point (such as a side rail) to a rifle (e.g., an AK-47 rifle, or the like). Although discussed herein as being implemented for mounting of a side rail to the rifle, it should be understood that the exemplary pin assembly can be used for mounting any fixation point to a rifle, and can be used in other industries as well. Rather than a one piece mounting pin design, the exemplary pin assembly includes components that avoid the over-compression across the receiver walls of the rifle, thereby ensuring proper operation of the rifle, while maintaining the desired position of the side rail. Particularly, the pin assembly includes first and second pin assembly halves that independently secure to respective receiver walls without imparting compressive forces between the receiver walls. For example, the components of the first pin assembly half impart compressive forces on opposing outer and inner walls of a first receiver wall, and the components of the second pin assembly half impart compressive forces on opposing outer and inner walls of a second receiver wall, without imparting compressive forces between the first and second receiver walls.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pin assembly for a fixation point (e.g., a side rail) configured to be mounted to a receiver is provided. The receiver can include first and second receiver walls defining a receiver chamber therebetween. The pin assembly includes a first pin assembly half and a second pin assembly half. The first pin assembly half includes a first fastener, a spacer, and a first fixation element. The first fastener and the first fixation element can be configured to engage to secure the fixation point to the first receiver wall with the first fastener and the first fixation element disposed on opposing sides of the first receiver wall. The second pin assembly half includes a second fastener and a second fixation element. A second pin assembly half can include a spacer disposed around a portion of the second fixation element. The second fastener and the second fixation element can be configured to engage with the second fastener and the second fixation element disposed on opposing sides of the second receiver wall.

The first fixation element and the second fixation element can substantially align along a central longitudinal axis, and define a pivot axis for elements of the rifle's fire control group, such as a hammer and/or trigger assembly disposed within the receiver chamber. The hole in the spacer can be unthreaded. The spacer can include a head and a cylindrical section extending perpendicularly from the head. The hole of the spacer can extend through the head and the cylindrical section. In some embodiments, the head of the spacer can be hexagonal.

The first fixation element and the second fixation element each include a head section and a protrusion extending perpendicularly from the head section. In some embodiments, the head section can define a substantially flat or planar configuration, and the protrusion can be disposed substantially centrally relative to the head section. The flat or planar configuration of the head section can extend along a plane, the plane extending perpendicularly to the protrusion. The first fixation element and the second fixation element each include a hole extending through the head section and the protrusion. The hole includes inner threads for engagement with threads of the respective first and second fasteners. The first and second fixation elements can each define a substantially T-shaped configuration.

During assembly, the head section of the first fixation element can be configured to be positioned against an inner surface of the first receiver wall with the protrusion of the first fixation element extending into the receiver chamber. The head section of the second fixation element can be configured to be positioned against an inner surface of the second receiver wall with the protrusion of the second fixation element extending into the receiver chamber and in the direction of the protrusion of the first fixation element. The protrusions of the first and second fixation elements thereby form a pivot axis for the hammer and/or trigger assembly disposed within the receiver chamber. In some embodiments, the pin assembly can be used to secure the fixation point in two places, with one pin assembly defining the pivot axis for the hammer and a second pin assembly defining the pivot axis for a mechanism associated with the trigger assembly.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary fixation point system for mounting to a receiver is provided. The receiver includes first and second receiver walls defining a receiver chamber therebetween, and aligned receiver openings in the first and second receiver walls. The fixation point system includes a fixation point (e.g., a side rail) and a pin assembly. The fixation point is configured to be mounted to the receiver via existing axis pin holes, and includes an opening extending therethrough. The pin assembly includes a first pin assembly half and a second pin assembly half. The first pin assembly half includes a first fastener, a spacer, and a first fixation element. The first fastener and the first fixation element are configured to engage to secure the fixation point to the first receiver wall with the first fastener and the first fixation element disposed on opposing sides of the first receiver wall.

The second pin assembly half includes a second fastener and a second fixation element. The second fastener and the second fixation element are configured to engage with the second fastener and the second fixation element disposed on opposing sides of the second receiver wall. The first fixation element and the second fixation element can substantially align along a central longitudinal axis within the receiver chamber, and can be oriented in opposing directions along the central longitudinal axis to define a pivot axis for a hammer and/or trigger assembly disposed within the receiver chamber.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pin assembly for a structure including an opening is provided. The pin assembly includes a fastener, a spacer, and a fixation element. The spacer includes a hole formed therein and configured to partially receive the fastener therethrough. The fixation element includes a hole formed therein and configured to engage with the fastener. The spacer is configured to be disposed adjacent to the opening on one side of the structure, the fixation element is configured to be disposed on an opposing side of the structure, and the fastener is configured to be passed through the hole in the spacer, through the opening in the structure, and engaged with the hole in the fixation element to secure the spacer and the fixation element on opposing sides of the structure.

The hole in the spacer can be unthreaded. The spacer can include a head and a cylindrical section extending perpendicularly from the head. The hole of the spacer can extend through the head and the cylindrical section. In some embodiments, the head of the spacer can be hexagonal. The fixation element can include a head section and a protrusion extending perpendicularly from the head section. The head section can define a substantially flat or planar configuration, and the protrusion can be disposed substantially centrally relative to the head section. The hole of the fixation element can extend through the head section and the protrusion, and includes inner threads for engagement with threads of the fastener. In some embodiments, the fixation element can define a substantially T-shaped configuration.

Any combination and/or permutation of embodiments is envisioned. Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed pin assembly, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fixation point in the form of a side rail including pin assemblies for mounting the fixation point to a receiver of a rifle;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary pin assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a fixation point in the form of a side rail mounted to a receiver of a rifle using pin assemblies;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a fixation point in the form of a side rail mounted to a receiver of a rifle using pin assemblies;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembly of a fixation point in the form of a side rail and pin assemblies;

FIG. 6 front perspective view of an exemplary fixation point in the form of a side rail;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary fixation point in the form of a side rail; and

FIG. 8 is a front view of an exemplary fixation point in the form of a side rail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary pin assembly discussed herein includes multiple components configured to secure on opposing sides of a receiver chamber of a rife. The opposing ends of the pin assembly secure the fixation point (e.g., a side rail) to the rifle and pivotally secure the hammer and/or trigger assembly within the receiver chamber. During fixation of the pin assembly to the receiver walls, compression occurs locally at each of the receiver walls rather than across the receiver chamber. Such fixation to the receiver walls prevents compression damage to the receiver chamber, resulting in improved operation of the rifle.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly of a fixation point or element in the form of a side rail 100. FIG. 1 also shows pin assemblies 102, 104 for mounting the side rail 100 to a rifle. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the pin assembly 102 can be a one piece mounting pin assembly, while the pin assembly 104 is a two piece mounting pin assembly. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the exemplary pin assembly 104. The side rail 100 (e.g., a structure) is configured to be detachably mounted to a receiver of a rifle with the pin assemblies 102, 104, and can be used to attach various components (e.g., an optic mount, or the like) to the side of the rifle. It should be understood that two pin assemblies 104 can be used to secure the side rail 100 to the rifle instead of pin assemblies 102, 104. Although shown for mounting of the side rail 100, in some embodiments, the pin assembly 104 can be used to mount any type of structure or fixation point to a wall. The exemplary pin assembly 104 reduces the compression forces on the receiver walls of the rifle, and provides a reliable and reversible means for attaching the fixation point to the rifle.

The side rail 100 includes a substantially rectangular body 106 having a front surface 108, a rear surface 110, side edges 112, 114, top edge 116, and bottom edge 118. The front and rear surfaces 108, 110 can be substantially planar or flat. The side, top and bottom edges 112-118 can be substantially planar or flat and, in some embodiments, can be connected by chamfered edges. As shown in FIG. 1, the side rail 100 includes a protrusion 120 having a dovetail configuration. The protrusion 120 extends away from the front surface 108 with side edges 122, 124 of the protrusion 120 expanding outwardly at angles greater than 90°. The section of the protrusion 120 connected at the front surface 108 is therefore dimensioned smaller in width than the outermost section of the protrusion 120. A component, such as an optic mount, can include a complementary dovetail opening configured to slidably receive the protrusion 120 to mount the component to the side rail 100. The protrusion 120 extends between and up to the side surfaces 112, 114 defining a substantially planar uppermost surface therebetween.

The side rail 100 includes two spaced openings 126, 128 extending between the front and rear surfaces 108, 110. The openings 126, 128 can be countersunk holes with recesses 130, 132 surrounding the openings 126, 128 at the front surface 108. When positioned against the receiver of a rifle, the openings 126, 128 can align with corresponding openings in the receiver wall such that pin assemblies 102, 104 can be passed through the openings 126, 128 and the receiver wall to secure the side rail 100 to the rifle.

The pin assembly 102 defines a one-piece design with a single fixation element 134 and a threaded fastener 136. The fixation element 134 includes a solid hex-shaped head 138, an intermediate section 140, and an endpoint 142. The intermediate section 140 and the endpoint 142 can define cylindrical configurations, with the diameter of the intermediate section 140 dimensioned greater than the diameter of the endpoint 142. The length of the intermediate section 140 is dimensioned significantly shorter than the length of the endpoint 142. The distal end of the endpoint 142 includes a threaded opening (not visible) configured to mate with outer threads of the fastener 136.

During assembly, the side rail 100 is positioned against the outer surface of the receiver wall, the fixation element 134 is passed through the opening 128 in the side rail 100, through the opening in one receiver wall, through the receiver chamber, and at least partially through the opening in the opposing receiver wall. The fastener 136 is passed through the opening in the receiver wall in the direction opposing the fixation element 134, and threadingly engaged within the opening in the distal end of the fixation element 134. Engagement of the pin assembly 102 with the side rail 100 and the receiver chamber results in compression forces or pressure on the opposing receiver walls. If the fastener 136 is overtightened, one or both receiver walls can be bent or otherwise damages, resulting in potential malfunction of the rifle.

The exemplary pin assembly 104 avoids the compression forces imparted across the receiver walls to ensure proper operation of the rifle. The pin assembly 104 allows for fixation of the pin assembly 104 to the side rail 100 and receiver walls with independent fixation to each of the receiver walls. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pin assembly 104 includes a first threaded fastener 144 (e.g., an Allen head screw, or the like), a spacer 146, and a first fixation element 148. The spacer 146 can include a hexagonal-shaped head 150 configured to mate with the hexagonal-shaped recess 130 in the side rail 100. The spacer 146 includes a cylindrical section 152 extending from the bottom of the head 150. The diameter of the cylindrical section 152 can be complementary to the opening 126 in the side rail 100 such that the spacer 146 is snugly disposed within the opening 126 (e.g., fills the gap within the opening 126). Specifically, the dimensional relationship between the cylindrical section 152 and the opening 126 prevents or reduces movement of the spacer 146 within the opening 126. The spacer 146 includes an unthreaded hole 154 extending through the spacer 146 along the central longitudinal axis 156.

The fixation element 148 includes a substantially planar or flat head section 158 and a protrusion 160 extending perpendicularly from the head section 158. The protrusion 160 can be disposed substantially centrally relative to the head section 158 and can define a cylindrical configuration. The fixation element 148 thereby defines a substantially T-shaped configuration, with opposing ends of the head section 158 extending perpendicularly on each side of the protrusion 160. The opposing ends of the head section 158 form “wings” on both sides of the protrusion 160, extending 180° apart from each other. The fixation element 148 includes a hole 162 extending through the head section 158 and the protrusion 160. The hole 162 includes inner threads complementary to the outer threads of the fastener 144.

The pin assembly 104 includes a section fixation element 164 having substantially similar structural elements and features to the first fixation element 148. The first and second fixation elements 148, 164 can be fabricated from metal. In the pin assembly 104, the second fixation element 164 faces in the opposing direction from the first fixation element 148 along the central longitudinal axis 156. The pin assembly 104 includes a spacer 166 and a second fastener 168. The inner threads of the hole 162 in the second fixation element 164 can be complementary to the outer threads of the fastener 168 to allow for engagement of the fastener 168 with the fixation element 164. In some embodiments, a locking washer can be disposed over the fastener 168 to assist in preventing vibration loosening of the pin assembly 104.

FIG. 3 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a side rail 200 (the details of which will be discussed below with respect to FIGS. 6-8) mounted to a receiver 302 of a rifle 300, FIG. 4 is a top view of the side rail 200 mounted to the receiver 302 of the rifle 300, and FIG. 5 is a partial assembly of the side rail 200, the pin assembly 102, and the pin assembly 104. The receiver 302 includes opposing receiver walls 304, 306 defining a receiver chamber 308 therebetween. The receiver chamber 308 includes a hammer 310 and a locking spring 312. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the one piece pin assembly 102 extends between the receiver walls 304, 306 and tightening of the fastener 136 results in a compressive force between the receiver walls 304.

During assembly of the pin assembly 104 with the rifle 300, the protrusions 160 of the fixation elements 148, 164 are inserted into holes 314 formed on opposing sides of the cylindrical base 316 of the hammer 310 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). The protrusions 160 are slidably inserted into the holes 314 and allow for the hammer 310 to pivot about the central longitudinal axis 156 extending through the fixation elements 148, 164. The spacer 146 is inserted into the countersunk hole of the side rail 200 (e.g., countersunk hole 126 of FIG. 1). The hexagonal head 150 of the spacer 146 prevents rotation of the spacer 146 within the countersunk hole of the side rail 200. The fastener 144 is passed through the hole 154 of the spacer 146, through the receiver wall 304, and engaged with the threads within the hole 162 of the fixation element 148. The hole 154 in the spacer 146 can assist in aligning the fastener 144 as it passes through the receiver wall 304 to ensure proper alignment with inner threads of the hole 162 of the fixation element 148.

Rotation of the fastener 144 during engagement with the fixation element 148 results in rotation of the fixation element 148 within the receiver chamber 308 (and within the hole 314 formed in the base 316 of the hammer 310) until one of the ends of the head section 158 abuts the bottom surface 318 of the receiver chamber 308, thereby preventing further rotation of the fixation element 148. The fastener 144 can be further threaded into the fixation element 148 until the desired tight connection is achieved, with compressive forces being imparted independently only on the single receiver wall 304 (rather than across both receiver walls 304, 306). Particularly, the compression force is created on opposing sides of the same receiver wall 304. The assembly of the fastener 144, spacer 146 and fixation element 148 (e.g., a first pin assembly half) therefore secures the side rail 200 to the receiver wall 304.

The fastener 168 can be passed through the spacer 166, through a hole in the receiver wall 306 and engaged with threads within the hole 162 of the second fixation element 164. Rotation of the fastener 168 during engagement with the fixation element 164 results in rotation of the fixation element 164 within the receiver chamber 308 (and within the hole 314 formed in the base 316 of the hammer 310) until one of the ends of the head section 158 abuts the bottom surface 318 of the receiver chamber 308, thereby preventing further rotation of the fixation element 164. The fastener 168 can be further threaded into the fixation element 164 until the desired tight connection is achieved, with compressive forces being imparted independently only on the single receiver wall 306 (rather than across both receiver walls 304, 306). Particularly, the compression force is created on opposing sides of the same receiver wall 306.

The fastener 168, spacer 166, and fixation element 164 can define a second pin assembly half, with the pin assembly 104 formed by the first and second pin halves. Independent fixation of the first and second pin halves removes the compressive force across both receiver walls 304, 306, resulting in smooth operation and pivoting of the hammer 310. The hammer 310 remains pivotally mounted on the protrusions 160 of the fixation elements 148, 164, with the protrusions 160 acting as an axle of pivot joint for the hammer 310. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pin assembly 104 defines the axle for operation of the hammer 310, while the pin assembly 102 defines the axle for operation of the trigger assembly 320.

FIGS. 6-8 are front perspective, rear perspective and front views of an exemplary side rail 200. The side rail 200 can be substantially similar in structure and function to the side rail 100, except for the distinctions noted herein. Therefore, same reference numbers are used to refer to same structures. Although the protrusion 120 extends between and up to the side surfaces 112, 114, the side rail 200 includes a concave, scalloped section 202 formed in the protrusion 120. In some embodiments, the scalloped section 202 can be disposed at a midpoint or central location of the protrusion 120 as measured between the side surfaces 112, 114. The scalloped section 202 can extend from the uppermost surface of the protrusion 120 downwardly towards the top surface 108 of the side rail 200.

The side rail 200 can include one or more cutouts for accommodating components of the rifle and/or reducing the overall weight of the side rail 200. For example, the side rail 200 can include cutouts 204, 206 for reducing the overall weight of the side rail 200, cutout 208 to allow clearance for a folding triangle stock frequently used on an AK rifle, recessed areas 210, 214 to allow for clearance of rivet heads on the AK rifle's receiver wall, and/or recessed area 212 for clearance of an AK rifle's auto sear axis pin. The cutout 204 can be substantially rectangular in shape and disposed between the holes 126, 128. In some embodiments, the side rail 200 can include cutouts 216, 218 formed in the protrusion 120. For example, the cutouts 216, 218 can be disposed on opposing sides of the cutout 204 and spaced from the side surfaces 112, 114, thereby maintaining a wide section of the protrusion 120 for mounting of a rifle component to the side rail 200.

While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

1. A pin assembly for a fixation point configured to be mounted to a receiver, the receiver including first and second receiver walls defining a receiver chamber therebetween, the pin assembly comprising: a first pin assembly half including a first fastener, a spacer, and a first fixation element, the first fastener and the first fixation element configured to engage to secure the fixation point to the first receiver wall with the first fastener and the first fixation element disposed on opposing sides of the first receiver wall; and a second pin assembly half including a second fastener and a second fixation element, the second fastener and the second fixation element configured to engage with the second fastener and the second fixation element disposed on opposing sides of the second receiver wall.
 2. The pin assembly of claim 1, wherein the first fixation element and the second fixation element align along a central longitudinal axis, and define a pivot axis for at least one of a hammer or a trigger assembly disposed within the receiver chamber.
 3. The pin assembly of claim 1, wherein the hole in the spacer is unthreaded.
 4. The pin assembly of claim 1, wherein the spacer includes a head and a cylindrical section extending perpendicularly from the head, the hole of the spacer extending through the head and the cylindrical section.
 5. The pin assembly of claim 4, wherein the head of the spacer is hexagonal.
 6. The pin assembly of claim 1, wherein the first fixation element and the second fixation element each include a head section and a protrusion extending perpendicularly from the head section.
 7. The pin assembly of claim 6, wherein the head section defines a flat or planar configuration, and the protrusion is disposed centrally relative to the head section.
 8. The pin assembly of claim 6, wherein the first fixation element and the second fixation element each include a hole extending through the head section and the protrusion, the hole including inner threads for engagement with threads of the respective first and second fasteners.
 9. The pin assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second fixation elements each define a T-shaped configuration.
 10. The pin assembly of claim 7, wherein the head section of the first fixation element is configured to be positioned against an inner surface of the first receiver wall with the protrusion of the first fixation element extending into the receiver chamber, and the head section of the second fixation element is configured to be positioned against an inner surface of the second receiver wall with the protrusion of the second fixation element extending into the receiver chamber and in the direction of the protrusion of the first fixation element.
 11. A fixation point system for mounting to a receiver, the receiver including first and second receiver walls defining a receiver chamber therebetween, and aligned receiver openings in the first and second receiver walls, the fixation point system comprising: a fixation point configured to be mounted to the receiver, the fixation point including an opening extending therethrough; and a pin assembly, comprising: a first pin assembly half including a first fastener, a spacer, and a first fixation element, the first fastener and the first fixation element configured to engage to secure the fixation point to the first receiver wall with the first fastener and the first fixation element disposed on opposing sides of the first receiver wall; and a second pin assembly half including a second fastener and a second fixation element, the second fastener and the second fixation element configured to engage with the second fastener and the second fixation element disposed on opposing sides of the second receiver wall.
 12. The fixation point system of claim 11, wherein the first fixation element and the second fixation element align along a central longitudinal axis, are oriented in opposing directions along the central longitudinal axis, and define a pivot axis for at least one of a hammer or a trigger assembly disposed within the receiver chamber.
 13. A pin assembly for a structure including an opening, comprising: a fastener; a spacer including a hole formed therein and configured to partially receive the fastener therethrough; and a fixation element including a hole formed therein and configured to engage with the fastener, wherein the spacer is configured to be disposed adjacent to the opening on one side of the structure, the fixation element is configured to be disposed on an opposing side of the structure, and the fastener is configured to be passed through the hole in the spacer, through the opening in the structure, and engaged with the hole in the fixation element to secure the spacer and the fixation element on opposing sides of the structure.
 14. The pin assembly of claim 13, wherein the hole in the spacer is unthreaded.
 15. The pin assembly of claim 13, wherein the spacer includes a head and a cylindrical section extending perpendicularly from the head, the hole of the spacer extending through the head and the cylindrical section.
 16. The pin assembly of claim 15, wherein the head of the spacer is hexagonal.
 17. The pin assembly of claim 13, wherein the fixation element includes a head section and a protrusion extending perpendicularly from the head section.
 18. The pin assembly of claim 17, wherein the head section defines a flat or planar configuration, and the protrusion is disposed centrally relative to the head section.
 19. The pin assembly of claim 17, wherein the hole of the fixation element extends through the head section and the protrusion, and includes inner threads for engagement with threads of the fastener.
 20. The pin assembly of claim 18, wherein the fixation element defines a T-shaped configuration. 